Pyramid of IPM Tactics

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Pyramid of IPM Tactics

Once a problem has been identified, potential solutions can be attempted.

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Take varroa mites, for example. No single treatment or even combinations of treatments have been shown to be effective at eliminating them. The most successful strategies thus far devised are based on developing colonies that can live with mites, reaching some kind of balance with the pests.

As we talk more about each pyramid level, we'll come back to the example of varroa mites and offer example tactics at each level.

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Level 1: Cultural Tactics

IPM suggests starting with the most non-invasive options, based on the culture of the host. Cultural modifications make up the base of the IPM pyramid.

Example

For beekeeping, cultural techniques for mite control might include requeening with resistant stock or using smaller celled foundations, which have shown some success at reducing mite loads.

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Level 2: Physical and Mechanical Tactics

The second level of the IPM pyramid involves physical and mechanical interventions—measures that do not involve application of chemicals.

Example

One example would be using screened bottom boards above sticky boards to capture mites that naturally drop from the hive. Another example is culling drone comb from a hive. Since drone pupae are the most heavily affected by varroa mites, culling drone comb from a hive can significantly reduce the mite population if done strategically.

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Levels 3 and 4: Biological and Chemical Tactics

As you go higher up the pyramid, the interventions become more toxic and risky, and should be used less frequently than the preventive techniques identified at the bottom of the pyramid. Biological controls include introducing predators and parasites of the pest. The peak of the pyramid is chemical intervention.

On the lower end of the chemical spectrum are biopesticides and natural oils, such as menthol and formic acid. Even at this end, there are levels of toxicity. At the high end of the spectrum are conventional pesticides and drugs, such as fluvalinate and terramycin.

Warning on Antibiotic Use

If you choose to use antbiotics, do not feed them to bees at any time during which there can be danger of contaminating the honey crop. No antibiotic should ever be present in any honey taken from the hive. All drug feeding must end at least 6 weeks before strong nectar flows that will lead to honey storage.

No antibiotic should ever be present in any honey taken from the hive.

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